GWES has provided services to multiple clients to secure funding and carry out projects through multiple programs and funding options. Refer to GWES’ team relevant funding assistance experience regarding recently completed projects of the type and nature indicated on our funding source page.
RECENT CDBG EXPERIENCE
At the beginning of 2019, GWES completed a CDBG Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) at no cost for the City of Perry for a Multi Activity Program. On August 30, 2019, Governor Kemp announced that the City of Perry had been awarded $996,350.00 in CDBG funds for the multi-activity project along Riley Street, Gordy Street, Stanley Street, and Baird Street, which will include street improvements, drainage improvements, and housing rehabilitation. GWES has completed the engineering design phase of this project and is currently in the construction phase of the project.
GEFA PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority (the Authority) requested engineering services to review and update previously completed (2010) plans and specifications as necessary for permitting by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and ultimately in preparation for advertisement and bidding. GWES’ scope included the preparation and submission of a LOI to EPD, re-application for Waste Load Allocation, reviewing and updating the Anti-Degradation Report, Environmental Impact Document, Design Development Report, Equipment Matrix, existing project drawings and specifications, and Hydrology Study, developing an opinion of probable construction cost, submitting the Environmental Review and Planning Document to GEFA, submitting plans and specifications to EPD for Review, and preparing bid set documents for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) bid solicitation.
The engineering design phase was completed in January of 2019 and the Authority was approved for a $25 million GEFA loan in February 2019. The Authority contracted with Reeves Young for CMAR to construct the 1.25 MGD A. Scott Emmons Water Reclamation Facility at the Littler River. GWES was contracted as the project engineering consultant. In Phase II, our project team is providing RPR services and GEFA program management. GEFA program management includes general review of contractors’ pay applications, certifying of payroll, coordinating and conducting employee interviews, coordinating with GEFA and contractors on proper documentation, and submitting GEFA loan requests on behalf of the Authority. These services will continue throughout construction with completion expected in 2022.
WATERFIRST DESIGNATION
Over the past two (2) years, GWES has assisted the cities of Byron and Perry, GA in receiving their WaterFirst designation. WaterFirst Communities are committed to excellence in watershed assessment, stormwater master planning, wastewater treatment and management, water supply planning and protection, water conservation, water reclamation and reuse, educational outreach, and regional planning.
Receiving this designation demonstrates the city of Perry’s commitment to the stewardship of water resources for environmental and economic benefits. The city’s notable accomplishments include:
- The city’s water conservation efforts have saved more than 215 million gallons per year, or 1.7 billion gallons since adopting the Water Conservation Plan.
- The newly constructed 2 million gallons-per-day water treatment plant went online at the end of September. The treatment plant removes iron and manganese present in the groundwater supply.
- The city is in the early stages of planning how to expand its sewer system and build a wastewater treatment plant to service the eastern part of the city.
Receiving this designation demonstrates the city of Byron’s commitment to the stewardship of water resources for environmental and economic benefits. The city’s notable accomplishments include:
- An outreach program increases public education on the importance of water resources, water quality, and water conservation.
- City ordinances encourage greenspace areas and water quality protection.
- Stormwater measures help protect the recharge of the aquifer, which is the primary source of drinking water for the city.
Based on this designation, these cities are now eligible for financial and other benefits from the state, including a 1% interest rate reduction on Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) loans, annual eligibility for water-related Community Development Block Grants administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and priority status for the 319(h) Grant Program administered by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
